Self-Care and Loneliness

“Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” - 1 Kings 19:7

In this chapter of the Bible, the great prophet Elijah is feeling all alone. He’s overcome by fear. He even says at one point, “I have had enough, Lord. Take my life” (1 Kings 19:4). Then he lies down and falls asleep (sometimes sleep is the easiest escape).

But God does not take his life, and God doesn’t let him just sleep away his days. God shows up with food and water reminding Elijah to eat and drink and find strength, because the journey is long and hard and it’s not over yet.

As the book of Hebrews says, sometime angels come in the form of people. They show up on our doorstep with a pizza or an invitation to coffee. They remind us that taking care of our physical body with healthy food makes a difference. They invite us to go for a walk or to workout with them. All of these things are part of the self-care that Kristy Hinds spoke about yesterday in the message.

Invite God to speak to you today in the midst of the hardships you face. What do you hear God saying? And how might you take steps today towards caring for yourself well?